Vernon "Vern" Lee Wagner

Born June 26, 1949 in Pekin to Vernon Maize and was raised by his father and step-mother, Alice (Easley) Wagner. He married Patti Ann Linthicum on March 8, 1997 in Bartonville.

Surviving are his wife, Patti of 27 years; one daughter, Amber (Aaron) Martin of Delavan; three grandchildren, Valerie (Rick) Streeter of East Peoria, Jaci Martin and Hunter Martin, both of Delavan; two great-grandchildren, Finn and Toryn Streeter, both of East Peoria; one brother, Danny (Tracey) Wagner of Alabama; one sister, Joyce Canada of San Jose; his aunt Rose, who shared his birthday and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, George Wagner.

Vern was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps serving during the Vietnam War from June 4, 1968 to April 10, 1970. He then served in the Marine Corps reserves from April 11, 1970 to June 3, 1974. He also served in the United States Army from August 13, 1971 to April 16, 1976 and the Army Reserves from August 27, 1983 to July 22, 1998.

He had worked as a mail carrier for the United States Postal Service in Peoria for 26 years before retiring in 2011.

Vern was a member of Summit Point Church in East Peoria.

His funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, February 15, 2025 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. His brother-in-law, Pastor Tony Linthicum and Chaplain Scot Shelburne will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield. Military rites will be provided by the United States Marines Corps and Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County.

Memorial contributions may be given to OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home, 8630 IL Route 91, Peoria, Illinois 61615 or Greater Peoria Honor Flight Operation Penguin, P.O. Box 5072, Peoria, Illinois, 61601 or Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, New York 10306.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com